Methods and apparatus for virtual competition

ABSTRACT

A system configured to be coupled with a participant of an activity. The system comprises: a participant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of the activity by the participant; an activity information module configured for storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and a participant performance correlator configured for delivering comparative performance data based on the monitored performance of the activity by the participant and the stored performance information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation application of and claims the benefitof co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/388,732, filed on Apr.18, 2019, entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION” byMario Galasso et al., having Attorney Docket No. FOX-0031L-US.CON2.DIV1,and assigned to the assignee of the present application.

The application Ser. No. 16/388,732 is a Divisional application of andclaims the benefit of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/016,444, filed on Jun. 22, 2018, now U.S. Issued Pat. No. 10,537,790,entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION” by MarioGalasso et al., having Attorney Docket No. FOX-0031L-US.CON2, andassigned to the assignee of the present application.

The application Ser. No. 16/016,444 is a Continuation application of andclaims the benefit U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/804,144, filed onJul. 20, 2015, now U.S. Issued Pat. No. 10,029,172, entitled “METHODSAND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION” by Mario Galasso et al., havingAttorney Docket No. FOX-0031L-US.CON, and assigned to the assignee ofthe present application.

The application Ser. No. 14/804,144 is a Continuation application of andclaims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/626,384 filedon Nov. 25, 2009, now U.S. Issued Pat. No. 9,108,098 entitled “METHODSAND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION” by Mario Galasso et al., havingAttorney Docket No. FOX-0031L-US, and assigned to the assignee of thepresent application.

The application Ser. No. 12/626,384 claims priority to and benefit ofU.S. provisional patent application 61/117,608 filed Nov. 25, 2008,entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL COMPETITION” by MarioGalasso et al., which is incorporated herein, in its entirety, byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods and apparatusfor facilitating virtual contests of speed and performance. Particularembodiments of the invention relate to methods and apparatus formonitoring and storing a global position with time and submittingresults to a central location such as an internet site (digitallyreadable medium using, for example, electromagnetic signals, orspecifically electrical or optical signals).

BACKGROUND

Cross country mountain bike racing has become irrelevant to the broadcross section of mountain bike enthusiasts. Cross Country racing, due toits Olympic association, has become little more than road racing in thedirt. Due to Olympic aspirations, even local and regional amateuroff-road races have become less and less technical and are oftennavigable with little or no suspension. Off-road gravity racing(downhill racing—usually point-to-point) is popular with the new andyounger mountain bikers entering the sport. However, because specificvenues are needed for proper gravity racing such as downhill racing, 4cross and dual slalom, extensive travel can be required of the would beracer.

A large majority of mountain bike enthusiasts ride full suspension bikesof 4-6″ of travel. They typically enjoy “all mountain” riding for boththe climbing and fitness aspects of the sport as well as the descendingand adrenaline fed aspects of the sport. Ride types vary by region asterrain varies. In most cases, favorite local rides include terrain thatchallenges all of a mountain biker's skills.

Because cross country racing formats have diverged from mainstreaminterests and because sanctioned downhill racing venues are relativelyfew and far between, many riders prefer riding in their own local areas.Such local rides are usually a close car ride away and in some cases areable to be accessed by the rider with only their mountain bike, therebyrequiring no motor vehicle transportation at all. For the youngerdownhill riders, it has become common place to develop trails with easymotor vehicle access for shuttling back to the top after the decent.Some of these gravity oriented trails are as challenging as the world orregional class courses the riders would otherwise have to travel manyhours to compete on (were they to compete in world or regional classevents). In all of these local riding scenarios, the competition istypically amongst the locals who create the trails and/or ride them.What is needed is a mountain bike racing format that makes racingrelevant again, both locally and to the world, and to engage theenthusiast who currently chooses to stay local and ride local.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present technology, a system configured to becoupled with a participant of an activity comprises: a participantactivity monitoring unit configured for monitoring a performance of theactivity by the participant; an activity information module configuredfor storing performance information corresponding to the activity; and aparticipant performance correlator configured for delivering comparativeperformance data based on the monitored performance of the activity bythe participant and the stored performance information. In oneembodiment, the system further comprises a feedback module configuredfor providing information to the participant based on said comparativeperformance data, wherein the feedback module comprises a visual cuegenerator and/or an audio cue generator.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a computer usable storagemedium comprising instructions that when executed by a computer causethe computer to perform a method for performance comparison of multipleperformances of an activity, the method comprises: receiving dataassociated with one or more monitored performances of an activity;storing performance information corresponding to the activity; andproviding comparative performance data to a participant based on thereceived data associated with the one or more monitored performances andthe stored performance information. In embodiment, the one or moremonitored performances are performed by a single participant and/or aplurality of participants. In one embodiment, the storing performanceinformation corresponding to the activity comprises storing shockabsorption information, cadence information, velocity information, gearpositioning information, suspension information, and/or the heart rateof the participant. In one embodiment, the storage medium comprises alink to a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises an internet.In another embodiment, performance feedback is provided to a user whilethe user is reviewing the activity.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a method for enhancingrevenue generation comprises: receiving at a computer user activityinformation corresponding to a performance of an activity; analyzing theuser activity information at the computer; and based on the analyzing,generating at the computer feedback for use by a user, the feedbackcorresponding to improved performance of the activity. In oneembodiment, the feedback is provided to a device local to the user forpromulgation to the user. In another embodiment, a recommendation for acomponent selection and/or component operation for improved performanceof the activity is generated. In one embodiment, the feedback isgenerated while the user is participating in the activity. This feedbackmay be a voice of a person of interest to the participant. Additionally,the feedback may be generated through visual and/or audio cues.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a method for virtuallycompeting comprises: recording performance information corresponding toa performance of the activity; storing the performance information to amemory; and submitting at least a portion of the stored performanceinformation to a networked digitally readable medium such that thestored performance information is available for use by the participantsof the activity. In one embodiment, the recording of the performanceinformation corresponding to a performance of the activity is repeatedfor different performances of the activity. In another embodiment, therecording of the performance information corresponding to a performanceof the activity is performed by different participants of the activity.In one embodiment, the networked digitally readable medium generates arating for the performance of the activity compared to other submittedperformances of the activity, determines a winner of the submittedperformances of the activity, and/or provides recommendations regardingthe appropriate component selection for improved performance of theactivity. In one embodiment, the networked digitally readable mediumstores performance information corresponding to one or more of thefollowing: shock absorption; cadence; velocity; gear positioning;suspension; participant's heart rate; power; time; breaking; corneringspeed; and calories burned.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a computer usable storagemedium comprising instructions that when executed by a computer causethe computer to perform a method for recreating a performance of anactivity from a camera perspective, the method comprises: receiving avideo feed associated with one or more monitored performances of anactivity; receiving data associated with the one or more monitoredperformances; storing performance information corresponding to theactivity; correlating the video feed with the data; and based on thecorrelating, generating a real time recreation of a performance of theactivity from a camera perspective. In one embodiment, the one or moremonitored performances are performed by a single participant and/or aplurality of participants. In one embodiment, the providing ofcomparative performance data to a participant based on the received dataassociated with the one or more monitored performances and the storedperformance information forms a basis of a virtual race competition.This providing of comparative performance data, in one embodimentcomprises rating the one or more monitored performances and/or selectinga winner of the one or more monitored performances. In one embodiment,the providing of comparative performance data to a participant based onthe received data associated with the one or more monitored performancesand the stored performance information comprises providing arecommendation corresponding to an improved performance of the activity.The providing of a recommendation corresponding to the improvedperformance of the activity may comprise generating a recommendation foran appropriate component selection for the improved performance of theactivity and/or generating a recommendation for a component operationfor the improved performance of the activity. In one embodiment, theproviding of comparative performance data to a participant based on thereceived data associated with the one or more monitored performances andthe stored performance information comprises: providing feedback to auser comprising a voice of a person of interest to the participant,generating feedback to a user through visual cues, and/or generatingfeedback to a user through audio cues. In one embodiment, the storingperformance information corresponding to the activity comprises storingshock absorption information, cadence information, velocity information,gear positioning information, suspension information and informationregarding a heart rate of the participant. In one embodiment, one ormore downloadable participatory activities is provided.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a system for providing datato a participant in an activity, which activity involves the participantmoving along a predefined geographical route, comprises: a serverstoring a plurality of predefined geographical routes, each predefinedgeographical route comprising a plurality of geographical markersdistributed along the route, and each geographical marker having dataassociated therewith, such as audio, video, image and/or text data; anda device to be taken with the participant during the activity, whichdevice comprises a network interface for connecting to the server, ageographical location interface, and a memory storing computerexecutable instructions that when executed enable the device to: connectto the server prior to or during the activity and download and store inthe memory at least one of the predefined geographical routes, thegeographical markers and the data associated therewith; and monitor itscurrent geographical position during the activity to determine if andwhen the device is at or near to one of the geographical markers, and ifso, to output to the participant the data associated with thatgeographical marker. In one embodiment, the device further comprises awireless interface and a hands-free headset or earpiece to be worn bythe participant, the arrangement being such that, in use, during stepthe monitoring of its current geographical position during the activityto determine if and when the device is at or near to one of thegeographical markers, and if so, to output to the participant the dataassociated with that geographical marker, the data is sent as audio datathrough the wireless interface addressed to the hands-free headsetwhereby the participant is able hear instructions and/or informationrelating to the activity in order to reduce distraction. In oneembodiment, the device is sized and adapted to be hand-held by theparticipant, or mounted on an apparatus being used by the participantduring the activity. In one embodiment, the device further comprises aninterface for receiving performance data from the one or moreperformance monitoring device associated with the participant during theactivity, and which computer-executable instructions cause the device tocompare the performance data with pre-stored performance data upondetermination in step of monitoring of its current geographical positionduring the activity to determine if and when the device is at or near toone of the geographical markers, and if so, to output to the participantthe data associated with that geographical marker, that the device is ator near one of the geographical markers, and to provide an output to theparticipant based on the comparison. In one embodiment, the devicecomprises a network interface for connecting to a remote server, ageographical location interface, and a memory storing computerexecutable instructions that when executed enable the device to: connectto the server prior to an activity and download and store in the memoryat least one of the predefined geographical routes, the geographicalmarkers and the data associated therewith; and monitor its currentgeographical position during the activity to determine if and when thedevice is at or near to one of the geographical markers, and if so, tooutput to the participant the data associated with that geographicalmarker. In one embodiment, the server for use in the system comprises: amemory storing a plurality of predefined geographical routes, eachpredefined geographical route comprising a plurality of geographicalmarkers distributed along the route, and each geographical marker havingdata associated therewith, such as audio, video, image and/or text data;and a network interface to which, in use, remote devices may connect tothe server and download one or more of the predefined geographicalroutes and the geographical markers and data associated therewith.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a computer for processinguser-generated content, which content comprises two parts: video data ofa participant's perspective during performance of an activity such as asporting activity, and geographical position data of the participantduring that performance; which computer comprises: a network interfacefor receiving said user-generated content; a processor; and a memorystoring computer-executable instructions that when executed cause theprocessor to correlate the video data with the geographical positiondata, and to store as a data pack locally on the computer or remotely ona server the content and a relationship between its two parts, wherebyupon playback of the video data, position-related data may be displayedalongside the video data, which position-related data is displayedaccording to the participant's geographical position in the video dataduring playback. Moreover, in one embodiment, the computer-executableinstructions further cause the processor to associate the data pack witha local, national or global map database, in which association a mappingis stored between the data pack and a geographical position at which theactivity took place, whereby a third party having access to the computermay browse and search the map database by geographical position andretrieve one or more data packs associated with that geographicalposition. In one embodiment, the computer executable instructionsfurther cause the processor to augment the video data with simulatedvideo data generated from the map database. In another embodiment, thecomputer executable instructions further cause the processor to take onedata pack and to search the map database for other data packs comprisinggeographical position data which matches at least one point or part ofthe geographical position data of the one data pack, and to generate anew data pack comprising new video data of a new route not alreadystored in the map database, which new video data comprises a respectivesection of video data from at least two other data packs which have beenedited together to provide a video of the new route.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a computer-implementedsports device that is wearable or otherwise transportable by aparticipant during a sports activity comprises: an interface forreceiving data from one or more performance monitoring device associatedwith the participant during the activity; a visual display fordisplaying performance-related data to the participant; and a memorystoring computer-executable instructions for controlling the sportsdevice and a processor for processing the performance-related data;wherein, at least periodically during use, the majority of a displayarea of the visual display is used to display a non-numeric indicationof one of the performance-related data. In one embodiment, a sportsdevice as claimed in claim 1, wherein the non-numeric indicationcomprises one color of at least two different colors selectable by thesports device.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a video recording apparatuscomprises: a aperture for directing optical wavelengths; an optical todigital transducer in a path of the wavelengths; a wireless receiverhaving communication protocol instructions; an antenna connected to thewireless receiver; a memory having correlation instructions forcorrelating data received by the receiver with digital output from theoptical to digital transducer; and a processor for running thecorrelation instructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthis specification, illustrate embodiments of the present technology formethods and an apparatus for a virtual competition, together with thedescription, serve to explain principles discussed below:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 100 configured to be coupled witha participant of an activity as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 100 configured to be coupled witha participant of an activity as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 3a and 3b combine to form a flowchart 300 of an example method forperformance comparison of multiple performances of an activity asdisclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart 400 of an example method for enhancing revenuegeneration as disclosed herein.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart 500 of an example method for participating in anactivity as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a graph measuring the speed, elevation and distance traveledby two bicycle riders as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a trail map of the trail the two bicycle riders traversed asshown in FIG. 6 as disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of an example computer system enabling performancecomparison of multiple performances of an activity, as disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 of an example method for recreating aperformance of an activity from a camera perspective, as disclosedherein.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the presenttechnology, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the present technology will be described in conjunctionwith various embodiment(s), it will be understood that they are notintended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On thecontrary, the present technology is intended to cover alternatives,modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spiritand scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofembodiments of the present technology. However, embodiments of thepresent technology may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well known methods, procedures, components, andcircuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarilyobscure aspects of the present embodiments.

Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present detaileddescription, discussions utilizing terms such as “receiving”, “storing”,“providing”, “rating”, “analyzing”, “generating”, “recording”,“submitting”, “correlating”, “presenting”, “selecting”, “corresponding”,or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system, orsimilar computing device (e.g. electronic). The computer system orsimilar electronic computing device manipulates and transforms datarepresented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission, or display devices.Embodiments of the present technology are also well suited to the use ofother computer systems such as, for example, optical and mechanicalcomputers.

Overview

Embodiments of the present technology provide an interactive race systemand method that will empower the local enthusiasts to race and compete,non-concurrently if desired, on their favorite local trails without thehassle of long travel, early morning registration times, limited coursetime, undue expense, crowded courses, governing body intrusions, andothers setting the courses on which to compete. Embodiments of thepresent technology provide a system and method empowering raceenthusiasts to race and compete, non-concurrently, on world class racecourses and against professional athletes on those courses.

In general, embodiments hereof pertain to a system for deliveringperformance data regarding a participant's performance, or anticipatedperformance, of an activity. The system 100 of FIG. 1 is configured tobe coupled with the participant and/or participant's vehicle. Aparticipant activity monitoring unit monitors the participant'sperformance of an activity. For example, the participant's location,speed and power output may be monitored. Additionally, an activityinformation module stores information corresponding to or related to theparticipant's performance of the activity. For example, the activityinformation module may store data associated with a professional'sperformance of the same activity. Then, based on the participant'smonitored performance and the stored professional's performance data, aparticipant performance correlator delivers comparative performance datato the participant. In one instance, this comparative performance datamay come in the form of advice to the participant while performing theactivity. Additionally, the data may include a rider's time or distancebehind or ahead of a professional's [recorded] performance at any pointon the course.

More particularly, and using an example of a mountain biker traversing atrail that has been catalogued in accordance herewith, embodimentshereof enable the mountain biker to receive pre-recorded audible adviceduring his ride, via for example a wireless ear piece or “bud,” toimprove his speed and/or technique over the trail. In one embodiment,system 100 is coupled with the mountain biker. More specifically, system100 may be attached to the mountain biker's bike. In one embodiment thesystem 100 communicates with and receives data from, via wire orwireless (e.g. Bluetooth protocol, AGENT WITH TRAINING CENTER [ANT] byGarmin of George Town, Cayman Islands) components of the bicycle such assuspension performance sensors, power sensors (e.g. POWERTAP HUB bySaris Cycling Group, Inc. of Madison Wisconsin, United States, U.S. Pat.No. 5,031,455 incorporated in its entirety herein by reference) speedsensors, accelerometers, strain gages, and other suitable telemetrydevices. System 100 has stored thereon information regarding the trailas well as the performance data of a professional rider having traversedthe same trail. Such data may be downloaded, in advance of a chosenride, from a remote server, such as is located on the internet, byconnecting system 100 to a network and accessing a selected networkaddress containing pre-recorded ride information catalogued by ridelocation (e.g. by selectable icon located proximate the recorded trailon a map promulgated by GOOGLE EARTH of Google of Mountain View,California, United States) and downloading ride information associatedwith the chosen ride. As the mountain biker rides over his chosen trail,system 100 monitors parameters of the mountain biker and bike, such asglobal location, speed, operating gear ratio, suspension usage, poweroutput, etc. System 100 may monitor any or all of the mountain biker'sspeed, global position, elevation, distance traveled, power output andheart rate. System 100 may take measurements of any or all selectedparameters at a user selected frequency or frequencies. Optionally,system 100 may calculate a rate of change of a given parameter andadjust a measurement and recording (sampling rate) frequency in responseto the calculated rate of change. In one embodiment, system 100increases measurement and recording frequency of a given parameter inresponse and proportion to a higher rate of change of that givenparameter. Such increased frequency affords the increased dataresolution required to represent the characteristic behavior of aparameter. In one embodiment, the system includes a video camera forrecording real time rider perspective and an audio recorder forrecording real time rider impressions. All of the data recorded bysystem 100 is cross-correlated so that a given ride may be broken downincrementally with full data sets attributable to each increment. In oneembodiment, increments correspond to sampling rate for a given data setsuch that incremental differences vary depending on the data set chosenfor increment basis . In other words, for example, increments forelevation will each include a complete data set but the differencebetween recorded data points will be dictated by the frequency at whichelevation was recorded. Further to the example, a different dataperspective may be had, viewing the same data set from the perspectiveof a global position, where the global position data was changing at adifferent rate than elevation. The data set for the global position willbe complete for each “bread crumb” associated with that database.Additionally, each data point of elevation will also represent acomplete data set. As such, the raw data for any data type may be inexcess of the chosen increment for that data type.

In one embodiment, system 100 compares the mountain biker's progresswith that of the professional rider's progress through the trail. Basedon this comparison, system 100 is able to offer advice to the mountainbiker during his trail ride. The advice is pre-recorded by a previousrider of the trail or trail segment and is triggered to be delivered tothe current rider by system 100 based on the occurrence of a data inputtrigger in real time. For example, system 100 may warn the mountainbiker of an approaching small steep hill and advise that the mountainbiker should be prepared to shift into a lower gear and to increase hispedaling RPMs. Such a warning would be triggered by a GPS real timeinput that such a “steep hill” was upcoming. The GPS real time inputwould be derived from real time GPS data as compared, by system 100, tothe previously downloaded GPS data (and location in advance of the steephill) that gave rise to the advice during the recording run by theprofessional or other pre-recording rider. Other useful information thatcan be correlated with actual trail position and elevation and deliveredto the rider in advance includes but is not limited to: brakingrequirements; upcoming cornering events; jumps drop and offs; andnatural obstructions such as rocks and logs. In one embodiment, therider's physical parameters, including power output, are monitored andaudio advice may include, but is not limited to: slow down; take anelectrolyte supplement; and drink liquid. Such physiological advice mayalso be given in response to a global location based on previouslyrecorded rider experience. Such advise may be given in response to datafrom, for example, a power meter. In that event, a rider's maximumsustainable output wattage (or heart rate) may be known and when suchamount is exceeded, the rider may be prompted to slow down. In oneembodiment, a rider may be instructed to slow down because a lowerpercentage of the rider's maximum wattage is required as a cap at apreliminary phase of the ride (in other words, system 100 “knows” whatthe rider must yet traverse and has calculated a power spread for therider over the course and is warning the rider that the power outputallotment for a given course section is being exceeded). In oneembodiment, this advice may be given in the professional rider's voicevia an ear bud (wired or wireless) or similar audio transmitterinterfaced as an output with the system 100. In one embodiment, theadvise may be displayed on a user display such as an LCD screen. In oneembodiment, some or all of the advice may take the form of warning andgo lights, associated with a display or device on the bike, such as, forexample: a green light for proper RPM or speed in a given section; and ared light for too low an RPM or speed. If the rider is engaged in realtime virtual competition with a previously recorded rider (or fabricatedgoal) goal performance (“chasing a rabbit”), a green light may indicatethat the rider is even with or ahead of the goal and a red light mayindicate that the rider is behind the goal. In one embodiment the ridermay choose the red light green light thresholds. For example, the ridermay choose for a green light to show only if the rider is 10% fasterthan the performance goal being used. The “rabbit” performance ispreviously downloaded, with or without advice, and the rider's system100 GPS tracks the current ride in comparison to the pre-designated orrecorded “rabbit” ride. In this manner, the mountain biker may feel asif he has received the best possible instructions and/or competition toimprove his ride and from a professional whom he admires.

Additionally, embodiments of the present technology enable aparticipant's recorded performance of an activity to be uploaded to awebsite. At this website, the participant's performance may be comparedto other performances of the same activity by the participant or byother participants. Based on these comparisons, advice may then be givento the participant via the website regarding ways to improve hisperformance of that activity. In one embodiment, riders may upload theirperformances over a given track or trail and view comparisons of theirdata with other riders' data sets. Such comparative data may be viewedgraphically. Such data may be viewed incrementally so that varyingcomparative performance are apparent at different, for example,locations of the track. The data may be used to generate a virtual“race” using post run results for all contestants but showingcontestants' results incrementally in “real race time” as generated fromthe compared data sets. In other words, the contestant riders may view,on a 3D trail map or split screen with actual video or incremental andchanging parameter data, a race between the recorded run results (i.e.the contestants). In one embodiment, a website may host a virtual raceover a given period of time. For example, a race may be open for amonth. During such month all certified race results are posted to thewebsite. Results may be certified by encryption key stamped GPS encodeddata or other comparable method where a rider checks in with thewebsite, receives a download data key for attachment to a trail run file(where the key is activated for one time use by the rider and associatedwith a time stamped data run), activates the key prior to the run andends the run directly after the ride (run), thereby certifying the GPScorrelated run data with the upload race key. At the end of the openperiod (e.g. month) race results are posted by categories selected bythe website (e.g. age, gender, trail, bicycle type) and winnersannounced. The website will include algorithms for comparing GPS data toensure that contestants in a given race all rode substantially the samecourse. Such algorithm can further check for large speed anomalies thatmay indicate non-conforming rider behavior (e.g. motor racing whenbicycle was the call).

In another example, a skier races down a slalom ski run, swerving aroundfive gates. System 100 monitors and records the skier's performance inrelation to any or all relevant parameters. In one embodiment, aparameter comprises beacons associated with geographic features, such asfor example, the slalom gates and the system 100 includes a transponderfor timing passages relative to such gates. In one embodiment ,thesystem 100 includes a radio frequency identification tag (RFID) thatrecords gate passage signals in the system 100. In one embodiment, thegate passage signals are correlated with time. In one embodiment, theRFID tag is passive and a discreet RFID tag may be associated with eachindividual user. In one embodiment, the skier may receive advicedirectly, via audio and/or visual interface, from system 100 as to howfast to approach and how wide to turn around each gate. In oneembodiment, the gate beacon or beacons may transmit advice data to thesystem 100 in real time and the skier may receive audio, visual ortactile input from the system 100 in response to the gate beacontransmission. In one embodiment, the gate beacons process data andgenerate transmissions to the skier (via system 100) based on real timeinteraction with the internet. In one embodiment, physiologicalparameters of the skier and physical parameters of the ski (e.g. heartrate and ski flex respectively) are measured by sensors and factor intothe advice given at various points on the course or run.

In one embodiment, the skier may upload his recorded performance data(stored in system 100 during run time) to a website configured forreceiving this information, and compare his completed ski run to hisprevious ski runs or to other skiers' performances. The website maydeliver advice to the skier, via computer interface, cell phoneinterface, or other suitable internet user interface, to improve theskier's performance. This advice may come in the form of techniqueadvice and/or equipment selection, tuning and/or replacement. Forexample, a skier may be advised to change up his skis for a shorterpair, a more technically advanced pair, or a newer model that would bemore appropriate for a particular ski run. Additionally, in anotherembodiment, the website may rate various skiers' performances over theski run and select a winner.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology enable a virtualcompetition, within which a participant may participate on his own time,while still being able to compare his incremental and overall resultsand data with a larger groups' and other users. Furthermore, embodimentsenable a participant of an activity to receive high quality advice froma professional, experienced in the particular run or condition, duringthe performance of that activity. In one embodiment, general conditionsare experienced by professionals, such as, for example deep powder snowskiing, and a recording of advice or advisory signals are transmitted tosystem 100 when appropriate conditions occur in real time. For example,a skier may be out during a heavy snowfall while using system 100 thatis tuned into an appropriate web connection or local beacon forreceiving real time mountain or weather conditions. System 100 maydetermine its location, and real web or beacon information correlatedwith that location may be transmitted to the skier advising the skier ofthe heavy snow cover or snow fall conditions and making recommendationsassociated therewith (even associated therewith in relation to a givenski run which the skier is traversing or comprising a warning such as“get off the mountain and seek shelter”). Moreover, embodimentsrecommend equipment replacement and upgrades to participants, based ontheir performances, to help improve the participant's overallperformance, thereby enhancing revenue generation for the maker and/orseller of the equipment. In one embodiment, equipment or serviceproviders in a given sport may pay for, and web hosts may sell, space(virtual web site space) for posting data and information that areuseful to trail users so that the providers advertising information maybe transmitted therewith. As mentioned previously, tuningcharacteristics for mountain bike suspension and advice pertainingthereto may be broadcast to a rider of a particular run or trail. In oneembodiment, a user may key in a chosen catalogued run or trail orportion thereof and receive advice in advance of executing the run ortrail.

Example Architecture of System 100

One embodiment of the present technology comprises a hosted andadministered competition website designed to accept information from andintegrate with commercially available Global Navigation Satellite System(GNSS) technology. Referring now to system 100 of FIG. 1, one embodimentcomprises a participant activity monitoring unit 105 for monitoring aperformance of an activity being performed by a participant, an activityinformation module 115 for storing performance information correspondingto the activity and a participant performance correlator 125 fordelivering comparative performance data based on the monitoredperformance of the activity by the participant and the storedperformance information. For example, the participant activitymonitoring unit 105 may determine the geographic position of system 100while an activity is being performed

For the purposes of embodiments of the present technology, the term“geographic position” means the determining in at least two dimensions(e.g., latitude and longitude) the location of system 100. In oneembodiment of the present technology, participant activity monitoringunit 105 is a satellite based position determining system and receivesnavigation data from satellites via an antenna (not shown). In oneembodiment, the antenna is remote from the participant activitymonitoring unit 105 (“PAMU 105”) and communicates therewith via a localwired or wireless preferably low power protocol. Such a remote antennafacilitates communication with satellites in the event that the actualPAMU 105 is out of clear satellite view. In use, such a remote antennamay be placed on the participant or vehicle at a location that moreoften has a more clear satellite view than the PAMU 105. In oneembodiment, an antenna/local beacon, that communicates with the PAMU105, may be placed on a hill top or other area, having a clear satelliteview, proximate a trail or track to be ridden. In one embodiment, threespaced antenna/local beacons may be used and the PAMU 105 includes aposition differentiator for triangulating from the local antenna/beaconsand combining such data with satellite data from one or more of theantenna/beacons to establish a net global position calculation set forthe trail run. Examples of satellite based position determining systemsinclude the global positioning system (GPS) navigation system, adifferential GPS system, a real-time kinematics (RTK) system, anetworked RTK system, etc...

It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present technology arealso well suited for using other position determining systems, such asfor example, cell tower triangulation, as well as ground-based positiondetermining systems, or other satellite-based position determiningsystems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), theGlobal Orbiting Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS), Compass/Beidu, orthe Galileo system currently under development.

Additionally, system 100 may be well suited to utilize a variety ofterrestrial-based and satellite-based position determining systems. Forexample, terrestrial based broadcast signals such as LORAN-C, Decca, andradio frequency beacons may be utilized.

While examples herein refer to an “activity” as mountain bike coursesand virtual interactive competition, the disclosure hereof is equallysuited for use to facilitate a wide variety of competitiveevents/activities such as, but not limited to, running, swimming, motorvehicle sports, boating (e.g., sailing), rock climbing, mountainclimbing and any other suitable competitive sport comprising eitherpoint to point or closed loop type competition or combinations thereof.The disclosure herein is also suitable to facilitate time/locationfinding events/activities such as, but not limited to, rally racing,enduro racing and orienteering, or in other words, a virtual racing andcompetition (VCR).

Referring still to FIG. 1, in one embodiment PAMU 105 is coupled with alocator 135 and/or a timer 140. The locator 135 determines the locationof the participant 110 during an activity. The timer 140 monitors a timeof a location of the participant 110 during an activity.

In another embodiment, activity information module 115 storesperformance information corresponding to the activity that is beingperformed and which is being monitored by participant activitymonitoring unit 105. Performance information 120 is information that isrelated to the activity that is being monitored by the participantactivity monitoring unit 105. For example, if the activity is a mountainbike trail ride, then the performance information 120 that is stored insystem 100's activity information module 115 may be, but is not limitedto, information relating to shocks (e.g. spring rate, damping rate,pressure, travel velocity, pressure differential, force, displacement),cadence, velocity, gear positioning, athlete power output, suspension,and the heart rate of the participant. In one embodiment, suchperformance data enters the data storage set as correlated with globalposition and time and other data on an incremental basis so thatanalysis may be performed incrementally stepwise through the run.Further, the performance information 120 may also be one or more priorperformances of the activity by the participant 110 and/or someone else.Information recorded from the prior performances may also include courselayout registration for local, regional, national, and global courses,and provides the timing system for competitors on registered courses.Additionally, performance information 120 may also be storedinstructions relating to the activity. Of these stored instructions,selected instructions may be delivered to the participant 110 (e.g.audibly, visually, tactilely), based on the participant 110's monitoredperformance of the activity. All of the foregoing data types andinstruction types may be stored incrementally for analysis or deliveryat chosen increments (e.g. time, location, gear position—increments of achosen baseline data type).

Embodiments of the present technology may include a feedback module 145.In one embodiment, the feedback module 145 includes a visual cuegenerator 150. In yet another embodiment, the feedback module 145includes an audio cue generator 155. A visual cue generator 150 providesa visual cue to the participant 110, such as but not limited to, aflashing light, a colored light, a series of colored lights, etc. . . .The audio cue generator 155 provides an audio cue to the participant110, such as but not limited to, a siren, a beep, a series of beeps, avoice, multiple voices, etc. . . .

Referring now to system 100 of FIG. 2, in one embodiment, system 100 maybe coupled with a computer 210, wired and/or wirelessly. In anotherembodiment, system 100 may be coupled with a digitally readable medium205, wired and/or wirelessly. The computer 210 may access the digitallyreadable medium 205 via the internet 215, and vice versa.

The digitally readable medium 205, such as for example a server with amemory device, provides course layout registration for local, regional,national, and global courses, and provides the timing system forcompetitors on registered courses.

In one embodiment, cycling computers such as, but not limited to, thosesold under the trademark EDGE 605 and EDGE 705 by Garmin of George Town,Cayman Islands with a GNSS capability may be utilized to provide tracesof proposed competition courses. These cycling computers are also usedfor providing timing for the courses on which a participant wants tocompete. In one embodiment, GPS equipped cell phones such as the IPHONEby Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., United States, may be used togather GPS and other data and, with properly written applicationprogramming, to function substantially as an embodiment of system 100(including audio instruction output and ear bud interface). In oneembodiment, local groups or individuals can contact the VRCadministrators to have a course registered as an authorized andsupported competition venue. In another embodiment, a competition venuewill have criteria for registering a course. The option of registering acourse will be for legal trails only. In one embodiment, a course maynot have any speed limit thereon. A GNSS trace of the course may besubmitted, including registering start and finish points. This coursemay be a point to point or a closed course loop. In one embodiment, suchas for example, auto rally, orienteering or moto-enduro, a course mayhave speed limits through various legs (between check points) and thesystem 100 is used to verify compliance such that the rally style racemay be run in non-concurrent space as described herein referring toother racing such as mountain bike racing. In one embodiment, there maybe a low canopy coverage for a solid GNSS signal.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology provide a system forcomparing the performance of an activity by a participant with thestored performance information corresponding to the activity. Based onthis comparison, comparative performance data is delivered to theparticipant and/or one other than the participant. Based on thisperformance comparison, a participant may then receive feedback duringor after the performance of the activity. This feedback may take theform of visual and/or audio cues.

Example Operation of System 100

More generally, in embodiments in accordance with the presenttechnology, system 100 is utilized to provide comparative performancedata 130. More particularly and referring now to 300 of FIGS. 3a and 3b, a flowchart of a method for performance comparison of multipleperformances of an activity is shown. In one embodiment, process 300 iscarried out by processors and electrical components under the control ofcomputer readable and computer executable instructions. The computerreadable and computer executable instructions reside, for example, indata storage features such as computer usable volatile and non-volatilememory. However, the computer readable and computer executableinstructions may reside in any type of computer readable medium. In oneembodiment, process 300 is performed by system 100 of FIG. 1.

In one embodiment of the present technology, data associated with one ormore monitored performances of an activity is received at the digitallyreadable medium 205, as is described at 305 of FIG. 3a . In anotherembodiment, performance information corresponding to this activity isstored at the digitally readable medium 205, as is described at 310 ofFIG. 3a . Then, comparative performance data is provided to aparticipant of the activity based on the comparison between the receiveddata and the stored performance information, as is described at 345 ofFIG. 3 b.

For example, in one embodiment, once a course is registered, competitorscan run the course on their own time, as long as they have a compatibleand an authorized GNSS device. The trace of their competition run willbe compared to the trace of the registered run to make sure the sameexact course was run. Each new competitor is given an icon for thatparticular course.

A live run feature can be run on the website where the interestedcompetitor can run their icon versus other chosen rider's icons down thecourse. In this manner, the interested competitor may interactivelyvisualize at which point he/she is faster or the other riders are fasterat specific sections of the course.

For example, and referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, a map of a bicycletrail, Course “X”, and a graph of the bicycle rides of Rider A and RiderB on Course “X” are shown. FIG. 6 considers the elevation, speed anddistance traveled by the riders. Course “X” is a registered course.Rider A has an authorized GNSS device (a participant activity monitoringunit 105). Rider A rides the course. Rider A then uploads the dataassociated with his monitored ride performance onto a computer 210.Computer 210 communicates Rider A's Course “X” ride, either via wire orwirelessly, to the digitally readable medium 205. The digitally readablemedium 205 compares Rider A's Course “X” ride to the registered Course“X” ride (not shown), to determine if Rider A stayed on Course “X”during his ride.

Furthermore, FIG. 6 also shows Rider B having also ridden Course “X” andhaving uploaded her information to a computer that communicates, wiredor wirelessly, to the digitally readable medium 205. (Rider B also hasan authorized GNSS device.) Rider A is now able to compare his ride tothat of Rider B, and vice versa. Overall, Rider B finds that her ridewas faster than Rider A's ride. As can be seen by the elevation vs.speed depiction in FIG. 6, Rider B was able to travel uphill at greaterspeeds than Rider A (between point “A” and point “C”). Furthermore, FIG.6 shows that particular points along its graph, “A”, “B”, “C” and “D”match up with particular points, “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” on FIG. 7'sCourse “X” trail map. This point to point correspondence between thegraph of FIG. 6 and the trail map of FIG. 7 enable a rider to determinehis/her location within Course “X” itself.

Additionally, and referring to 370 of FIG. 3b , one or more downloadableparticipatory activities is provided by the digitally readable medium205. For example, in terms of mountain biking, a downloadableparticipatory activity is a course on which it is legal to mountainbike. It should be appreciated that a downloadable participatoryactivity may be any activity that is capable of being monitored bysystem 100. The digital readable medium 205 holds the course map andinformation relating to that course map for, such as but not limited to,data relating to an expert's ride through the course. In one embodiment,the participant 110 may download information relating to Course “Q” ontohis/her system 100 at the activity information module 115. In thismanner, participant 110 may use system 100 to enjoy riding Course “Q”without having to participate in a race with hundreds of otherbicyclists. The participant 110 may also compare his/her ride to that ofthe expert's.

Referring now to 350 of FIG. 3b , some embodiments of the presenttechnology form the basis of a virtual race competition, or as referredto herein, a “virtual race course” (VRC). In one embodiment, the VRCadministrators will send out professional athletes with helmet cams andauthorized GNSS devices to execute a fast course run time over a givenregistered course and to video the course during the run. Any courserunner with access to a mobile GNSS can capture his or her own run ofthe given course and submit that to the interne website for posting.Over time, run data accumulates for given courses, and participants cancompare their results with others who have run the course (includingprofessionals). Additionally, participants can review specific paths or“lines” chosen by other competitors who submit video (e.g. helmet cam)course data with their run. In this way, the nonprofessional rider cancompete head to head in the VRC world, and can review the line selectionof the professional rider. In one embodiment, a single participantperforms one or more monitored performances. In another embodiment, aplurality of participants performs one or more monitored performances.In one embodiment, a participant may run against their own performanceor the performance of others by downloading the pre-recorded performanceto system 100 prior to their ride. In one embodiment, a participant may“pre-ride” a course in virtual space by reviewing the pre-recorded ridedata log, including video (and audio) of others. In one embodiment, aparticipant may critique his own ride by reviewing, on for example ahome computer, the recorded ride data log.

A GNSS device, such as but not limited to, those manufactured by GarminLtd. or TomTom may be used. Other GNSS devices may also be used, such asthose available with current mobile telephones (e.g. IPHONE by Apple,Inc. of Cupertino, Calif., United States). The GNSS devices are howeverequipped with an algorithm allowing storage of course information andthe time data associated with the traversal of a designated course. Onemonitoring and recording system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,701,234,having inventor Andrew Vogelsang and incorporated herein by reference inits entirety. Other systems are described in U.S Patent ApplicationPublication Nos. 2009/0069972A1 assigned to Maritz Inc. and2009/0070037A1 assigned to Maritz, Inc., each of which is incorporatedherein, in its entirety, by reference. . In one embodiment, the systemdisclosed herein derives course location data and associatedspeed/acceleration/altitude data (in one embodiment as a correlated dataset) from algorithms within the GNSS.

Another monitoring and recording system is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,415,336 assigned to Garmin, Ltd and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. The GNSS of the present system is equipped to time anddate stamp and “sign” with an encrypted verification code, data sets asthey are generated. As such, in one embodiment, only verifiable data maybe uploaded to the internet site (because the site screens incomingposts for verification codes generated by the recording GNSS device).

In one embodiment, a host website hosts many different types of coursesand many different types of events. A user can be matched to a desiredsport/competition or other relevant classification or sub-class ofactivity or location (or other) by answering an initial query (e.g.choosing an object from an object set identifying the activity andsub-activity) upon entering the website. One matching method isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,828,843 assigned to Mpath Interactive, Inc.and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Any form of competition may be adapted to use with the VRC networksystem as disclosed herein. Additionally, competitors may post theirprofiles and other pictures and videos as they prefer. The VRC networkfunctions to facilitate not only competition among athletes with similarinterests but also serves as a social and networking site infacilitating communication among competitors (including individuallyidentified personal networks, such as but not limited to, FACEBOOK ofPalo Alto, Calif., United States). Optionally, participants can operatein a virtual competition world using GNSS generated data or otherprofile data. (U.S. Pat. No. 6,219, 045 assigned to Worlds, Inc. isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.)

Another sport suited for use with the present technology is motocross.Motocross is a very popular sport. Open practice session track days arewell attended, but many individuals shy away from the veryconfrontational aspects of real time track racing. Open practice “trackdays” are days held open by race courses in which no actual race isscheduled. Therefore, riders (or drivers) may pay a fee and run thecourse for practice and improvement. The intimidation of a starting gatewith up to 40 riders all heading into the first turn together keeps manyriders from competing on actual race days. A motocross rider not wishingto experience the full blown race with line up start may race virtuallyusing VRC. The VRC administrator can register various motocross tracksso that all a rider needs is an authorized (e.g., equipped in accordancewith the disclosure herein) GNSS device mounted on their motorcycle, andthey can compete on their local course at their discretion regardingtime and circumstances. Such competition data can then be uploaded tothe web site for comparison against others on the same track.

Again, professional riders can post times that they have run on theselocal and regional tracks along with video taken from a helmet cam.Using embodiments herein, the local amateur can compete against theprofessional rider. Thus, any day the track is open and any time of thatday, the competitor can log a course run. Examples of sporting eventsthat can be held using the VRC as disclosed herein are, but not limitedto, the following: road racing track days; off road motorcycle riding;sailing (e.g. point to point or course type regatta); skiing;snowboarding favorite runs; trail running; and swimming.

The VRC can also be utilized as a virtual gym. For those who do not wishto compete against others but want to keep accurate track of theirworkout progress, the VRC can be utilized as a training log (e.g.,weight training). This application focuses more on the website and lesson the enabled GNSS. A GNSS system may not be required.

In all cases, the VRC site can also tie all these competitors andtraining athletes together with tech tips, equipment reviews, set uptips, course reviews, racing line chat, training tips, etc. . . .

Popular courses with strong reviews can be visited by other enthusiastsfrom around the globe. The VRC system will seek travel and destinationlocation activity from enthusiasts from around the world to tie inposting times and competition on courses they have only read about. Inone embodiment, course run data, global position data and user generatedvideo data are associated with a broader inquiry web site such as GoogleEarth of Google Inc. of Mountain View, Calif. (or travel web sites) andusers may virtually “ride” courses (or ski runs or experience theappropriate athletic endeavor virtually) before choosing to travel tothem. Users “racing” or other athletic activity can be tied intovacation plans.

Established riding venues like destination bike parks can registerspecific runs and/or specific sections of favorite runs tied together.Vacation visitors can post times on these courses or propose new ones tothe VRC system. This same thing applies to ski/snowboard areas. Amateurscan run (e.g. bike) sections of the Tour de France, and can comparetheir times to the stages and times actually raced.

Referring now to 355 of FIG. 3b , in one embodiment, one or more of themonitored performances is rated. Referring now to 360 of FIG. 3b , inanother embodiment, a winner of the one or more monitored performancesis selected. For example, the VRC for those groups wishing to takethings further can establish qualifying events to end up withchampionships and champions. For example, the champions can be crownedfor, but not limited to, the following: most rides in a given time; themost courses run in one year; the most vertical feet climbed; and themost vertical feet descended (altitude data component).

The VRC system will track stats on enthusiast user activity, which willbe very marketable to product leaders in the various activities.

The VRC system is a huge business opportunity with vacation/travelcompanies, destination locations and Original Equipment and After Marketmanufacturers all vying for ad space in the VRC website. For example, auser will procure a GNSS equipped device that is further equipped withthe capability of gathering course traversal data, corresponding timeand corresponding altitude and generating a data set that is time datestamped and verified. The user will then enter the internet (or suitablenetwork) and request a new course registration if applicable, orexisting course add run if applicable. The user will upload a verifieddata set for the chosen course (following new course registration by thewebsite if applicable) and any other peripheral information such asweather stats, course condition, comments, video, etc. The user maychoose to create a personal profile space or add a link to her courserun to her existing profile.

The upload process occurs via, for example, but not limited to, aBluetooth (a standard and a communications protocol) link between theGNSS device and a personal computer/terminal of the user. The personalcomputer is in turn connected to the internet via a suitable connectionmedium. Optionally, the data is loaded into the computer (digitallyreadable medium such as hard drive) and uploaded to the internet at alater time. Following upload, the user may view her results as comparedwith others who have traversed the same course and may also postcomments.

The course page itself includes a link whereby users can post comments,photos and other information regarding the course (e.g. a “blog”).Additionally, the website includes a larger general blog or blogsregarding various sporting types and topics. The website posts theusers' latest results and queries other results from the same course andthen files users in appropriate place ranking (e.g. based on the fastestrun times). In one embodiment users may blog and post comments regardingtheir own or other users recorded data sets for given trails/runs. Otherpersons may now view the user.

Referring now to 365 of FIG. 3b , in one embodiment, recommendationsregarding appropriate component selection for improved performance of anactivity is provided. Furthermore, and referring to 315, 320, 325, 330,335, and 340 of FIG. 3a , the following information may be stored atactivity information module 115, respectively: shock absorption,cadence, velocity, gear positioning, suspension, and heart rate of theparticipant. (Of note, this is not an exhaustive list of possibleinformation that may be stored.) For example, and referring again toFIGS. 6 and 7, based on the riding performance of Rider A throughoutCourse “X”, recommendations geared towards improving Rider A'sperformance may be made. For instance, as can be seen on FIG. 6 withreference to Rider A, between the points “A” and “C”, Rider A slowedsignificantly in the face of a steep uphill climb. In one embodiment,participant activity monitoring unit 105 also monitors factors such asgear positioning, the heart rate of the participant, calories burned,etc. . . .

Thus, an embodiment of the present technology may recommend, based onthe Rider A's performance and stored data relating to gear positioningas well as elevation, velocity and distance, that Rider A should changeup his/her gear positioning technique. Furthermore, a new gear, orsuspension component, or tuning (e.g. adjustment) state may berecommended to Rider A as being easier to manipulate, thereby increasingRider A's speed during ride time. Furthermore, embodiments of thepresent technology may recommend new shocks or related adjustments,based on Rider A's performance.

Referring now to 400 of FIG. 4, a flowchart of a method for enhancingrevenue generation is shown. Referring now to 405 of FIG. 4, in oneembodiment, user activity information corresponding to a performance ofan activity is received at a computer. Referring now to 410 of FIG. 4,in one embodiment, the user activity information is analyzed at thecomputer. Then, and referring to 415 of FIG. 4, based on the analyzingof 410, feedback is generated for use by the user at the computer. Thefeedback corresponds to improved performance of the activity.

For example, and referring to 420 of FIG. 4, feedback may comprise arecommendation for a component selection for improved performance of theactivity. As described herein, this component selection may be for newshocks, an updated suspension system, alternate equipment, etc. Further,and referring to 425 of FIG. 4, feedback may comprises a recommendationfor a component operation for improved performance of the activity. Forexample, a rider may be told that he/she should switch into higher orlower gears more quickly and at particular points in time duringclimbing and descending a steep hill in order to improve overall speed.

Referring now to 430 of FIG. 4, in one embodiment, the feedback isprovided to the user while the user is participating in the activity. Inone embodiment, the user receives the feedback directly from system 100.In another embodiment, the user receives feedback through a device localto the user for promulgation to the user. For example, the device maybe, but is not limited to, an earpiece coupled with system 100 andconfigured for capturing sound from the system 100 and delivering thatsound to the user. In one embodiment, and referring to 435 of FIG. 4,the feedback is provided through visual cues. In another embodiment, andreferring to 440 of FIG. 4, the feedback is provided through audio cues.

In one embodiment, and referring to 427 of FIG. 4, the feedback that isgenerated comprises a voice of a person of interest to the participant.For example, the person of interest may be an admired professional ofthe activity, or a fan favorite. Additionally, the person of interestmay be anyone whom the participant wants to hear speaking to him/herbefore, during or after the performance of the activity, within thelimits of the technology of voicing over data, the manufacturing ofsystem 100 and the designing of the digitally readable medium.

In one embodiment, for example, mountain biker Bob has never ridden anytrails or raced any courses in Fantasia. He has heard, however, that theriding and racing in Fantasia is spectacular and challenging. He hasheard of several race courses in Fantasia and he sits down at his homecomputer to check it out. He connects to a website that includes a usernavigable global map (e.g. Google Earth) having icons associated withgeographic locations thereon. He navigates to a map of Fantasia andspecifically to a race course used for an annual mountain bike racecalled the “Skyline.” There are many pre-recorded runs of Skylineassociated with visible and active icons on the map. Bob selects an iconand a menu appears that includes choices such as: Ned Pete Skyline runno. 1 video, Ned Pete Skyline run no. 1 audio, Ned Pete Skyline run no.1 altitude and location data, Ned Pete Skyline run no. 1 bike data, NedPete Skyline run no. 1 body data, Ned Pete Skyline run no. 1 Googleearth terrain enhancement (option allowing terrain map data to enhancevideo data as needed to make the recording play complete), Selectcombination, All. Bob selects video, audio and altitude and locationdata. A menu then appears with the options “download” and “play.” Bobselects play (had he selected “download” he would have been prompted todesignate a destination for the files at which point he could haveselected a system 100 connected to his home computer). Bob watches thevideo and listens to the audio of Ned's race run. While observing ascreen-in-screen inset showing Ned's position on the race course trailmap. Bob watches the video several times, so much so, that he feels heis getting the course “wired.” Bob is gaining the mental experience andreinforcement, regarding the race course, without ever having riddenSkyline.

In one embodiment, for example, mountain biker Bob decides that he wantsto participate in the annual mountain bike race, “Skyline”. Skyline is a20 mile race over varied terrain. Bob designs a training schedule forhimself in preparation for the race, aided by the sage advice he hasalready heard from Ned Pete. To help himself with his training, Bobpurchases from his local bike shop a system 100. Bob then connects hissystem 100 with a digitally readable medium (e.g. server on theinternet) via his computer and downloads performance informationrelating to the Skyline race into his system 100. This performanceinformation includes various data, instructions and pep talks from NedPete, a famous mountain bike racer.

In one embodiment, Bob attaches system 100 to his handlebars of hisbicycle. Bob turns on his wireless earphone set that attaches to hishelmet and also is configured to communicate (e.g. receive audio) withsystem 100.

Then, Bob's training begins. As Bob warms up by riding the one mile fromhis car to the beginning of the trail, he hears system 100, in the voiceof Ned Pete, giving him a pep talk about the Skyline race. For example,Bob hears, “This is a very challenging race over really rough terrain,but I know that you can do it! I'll be with you at every turn. I'll tellyou when you should hammer it and what gears to crank.” Bob then makesit to the beginning of the trail. He stops his bike, sets his watch, andthen starts. Immediately, he hears Ned say “Great start! Keep it moving. . . . You've got a sharp corner coming up to your left with a log.Bunny hop and kick-out to your right. The trail cuts down to the left .. . . Great job. You're on target.” Bob appears to have begun his trailride with great success.

In one embodiment, Bob begins to pour it on early in the course and isrunning ahead of his “rabbit.” Everything is looking good when suddenlyNed's voice alerts, “you need to slow up a bit because your current paceis unsustainable.” Bob has a heart rate monitor and a power meter rearhub. The data from those devices compared with the current location onthe Skyline run, allow system 100 to trigger an alert based on knownphysiology of Bob and/or of athletes generally or a suitable combinationthereof (e.g. a human in good condition is capable of outputting asustained approximately ½ horsepower. If Bob is dramatically exceeding aknown physiological parameter or his heart rate is anaerobic or hisblood oxygenation is dropping dramatically (with an oxygen sensor), thesystem 100 might assume it was an end race sprint. The system 100,however, will alert Bob if he is too far from the end to sustain hisactivity level though the remaining course).

Later on in the ride, Bob starts to fall behind his chosen “rabbit”pace. System 100 has calculated the difference between the rabbit andBob's performance and when the difference reached a predetermined (e.g.chosen by Bob) threshold it triggered an audio signal. He hears Nedstate, “Get moving! You're falling behind. Simultaneously, a red lightilluminates on the face of system 100 making it clear that Bob is behindhis “rabbit” pace. “Pay attention to your gears and your pedaling.You've got about half a mile of downhill coming up. Let's make up time.Lots of jumps. Get big air.” Later on, Bob hears, “You're dialed in!Great job” Concurrently, the light on his system 100 is glowing greenindicating he is even with the pace. Bob finishes the trail course infairly good time, two and one-half hours. Bob then goes home anddownloads the data associated with his monitored performance to thewebsite. The next Saturday, Bob plans on riding that same course again,and comparing the new results with his time of two and one-half hours.

In one embodiment, system 100 may already have Ned Pete's voice withstored instructions that are ready for delivery to a participant. Inanother embodiment, these instructions may be downloaded to system 100from remote server accessed using the Internet. Furthermore, there maybe instructions and advice for various skill-levels of a participant,such as beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology enable the participant toreceive instructions from famous people associated with the activitywhile contemporaneously performing the activity. Furthermore, theseinstructions may come in the form of the vernacular associated with theactivity, thus making the instructions more enjoyable to listen to andultimately more relevant to the participant.

Referring now to 500 of FIG. 5, a method for virtually competing isshown. Referring now to 505 of FIG. 5, performance informationcorresponding to a performance of an activity is recorded. In oneembodiment, different performances of the activity are recorded. Thesame participant or a combination of different participants may recordperformance information. In one embodiment, this performance informationis recorded on system 100.

Referring now to 510 of FIG. 5, in one embodiment, the performanceinformation is stored to a memory. In one embodiment, the memory resideson system 100. In another embodiment, and referring to 515 of FIG. 5, atleast a portion of the stored performance information of 510 issubmitted to a networked digitally readable medium such that the storedperformance information is available for use by participants of theactivity. In one embodiment and as described herein, the digitallyreadable medium generates a rating for the performance of the activitycompared to other submitted performances of the activity. In yet anotherembodiment and as described herein, the networked digitally readablemedium determines a winner of the submitted performances of theactivity. In one embodiment and as described herein, the networkeddigitally readable medium provides recommendations regarding appropriatecomponent selection for improved performance of the activity. In yetanother embodiment and as described herein, the networked digitallyreadable medium stores performance information corresponding to, but notlimited to, one or more of the following: shock absorption; cadence;velocity; gear positioning; suspension; participant's heart rate; power;time; breaking; cornering speed; and calories burned.

Thus, embodiments of the present technology enable multiple performancesof the same activity to be compared against each other. Further,embodiments enable a method for enhancing revenue generation byrecommending appropriate component selection to improve a participant'sperformance. Moreover, embodiments of the present technology enable amethod for virtually competing is an activity.

Example Computer System Environment

FIG. 8 illustrates an example computer system 800 used in accordancewith embodiments of the present technology. It is appreciated thatsystem 800 of FIG. 8 is an example only and that embodiments of thepresent technology can operate on or within a number of differentcomputer systems including general purpose networked computer systems,embedded computer systems, routers, switches, server devices, userdevices, various intermediate devices/artifacts, stand alone computersystems, and the like. As shown in FIG. 8, computer system 800 is welladapted to having peripheral computer readable media 802 such as, forexample, a compact disc, and the like coupled therewith.

System 800 of FIG. 8 includes an address/data bus 804 for communicatinginformation, and a processor 806A coupled to bus 804 for processinginformation and instructions. As depicted in FIG. 8, system 800 is alsowell suited to a multi-processor environment in which a plurality ofprocessors 806A, 806B, and 806C are present. Conversely, system 800 isalso well suited to having a single processor such as, for example,processor 806A. Processors 806A, 806B, and 806C may be any of varioustypes of microprocessors. System 800 also includes data storage featuressuch as a computer usable volatile memory 808, e.g. random access memory(RAM), coupled to bus 804 for storing information and instructions forprocessors 806A, 806B, and 806C.

System 800 also includes computer usable non-volatile memory 810, e.g.read only memory (ROM), coupled to bus 804 for storing staticinformation and instructions for processors 806A, 806B, and 806C. Also,present in system 800 is a data storage unit 812 (e.g., a magnetic oroptical disk and disk drive) coupled to bus 804 for storing informationand instructions. System 800 also includes an optional alpha-numericinput device 814 including alphanumeric and function keys coupled to bus804 for communicating information and command selections to processor806A or processors 806A, 806B, and 806C. System 800 also includes anoptional cursor control device 816 coupled to bus 804 for communicatinguser input information and command selections to processor 806A orprocessors 806A, 806B, and 806C. System 800 also includes an optionaldisplay device 818 coupled to bus 804 for displaying information.

Referring still to FIG. 8, optional display device 818 of FIG. 8 may bea liquid crystal device, cathode ray tube, plasma display device orother display device suitable for creating graphic images andalpha-numeric characters recognizable to a user. Optional cursor controldevice 816 allows the computer user to dynamically signal the movementof a visible symbol (cursor) on a display screen of display device 818.Many implementations of cursor control device 816 are known in the artincluding a trackball, mouse, touch pad, joystick or special keys onalpha-numeric input device 814 capable of signaling movement of a givendirection or manner of displacement. Alternatively, it will beappreciated that a cursor can be directed and/or activated via inputfrom alpha-numeric input device 814 using special keys and key sequencecommands.

System 800 is also well suited to having a cursor directed by othermeans such as, for example, voice commands or haptic movement. System800 also includes an I/O device 820 for coupling system 800 withexternal entities.

Referring still to FIG. 8, various other components are depicted forsystem 800. Specifically, when present, an operating system 822,applications 824, modules 826, and data 828 are shown as typicallyresiding in one or some combination of computer usable volatile memory808, e.g. random access memory (RAM), and data storage unit 812.However, it is appreciated that in some embodiments, operating system822 may be stored in other locations such as on a network or on a flashdrive; and that further, operating system 822 may be accessed from aremote location via, for example, a coupling to the internet. In oneembodiment, the present invention, for example, is stored as anapplication 824 or module 826 in memory locations within RAM 808 andmemory areas within data storage unit 812.

Computing system 800 is only one example of a suitable computingenvironment and is not intended to suggest any limitation as to thescope of use or functionality of embodiments of the present technology.Neither should the computing environment 800 be interpreted as havingany dependency or requirement relating to any one or combination ofcomponents illustrated in the example computing system 800.

Embodiments of the present technology may be described in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules,being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules includeroutines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., thatperform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.Embodiments of the present technology may also be practiced indistributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remoteprocessing devices that are linked through a communications network. Ina distributed computing environment, program modules may be located inboth local and remote computer-storage media including memory-storagedevices.

Recreating a Performance of an Activity From a Camera Perspective

More generally, in embodiments of the present technology, a performanceof an activity is recreated from a camera's perspective. For example, acamera is coupled with a participant during an activity. This cameragenerates a video feed of the performance of the activity. In oneexample, the activity being performed is mountain biking. While thefollowing explanation refers to mountain bike riding, embodiments arenot limited to such an activity.

A GNSS is used to map the trail traversed by the mountain biker. Theactual video taken by the camera is then correlated with the GNSSaltitude and map log to create (in a computer or on the web) a real timerecreation of a ride from the camera's perspective with enhanced effectsbased on the GNSS data (e.g., altitude and map log). In one embodiment,the video camera is equipped with a GPS marker feed from the GNSS (GPSunit) and digital GPS data is placed in the digital video feed at theGPS sampling rate (e.g. user designated or by location differentiationand change rate based sampling or other suitable sampling rate). TheGNSS comprises a transmitter for transmitting location and altitude dataand the video camera marker feed comprises a receiver for receiving datafrom the GNSS. The marker feed further comprises a data buffer, aprocessor and suitable video correlation software. The marker feed maybe wired or preferably wireless and the GPS data may be associated withthe video along with date time data generated by the video camera. Inone embodiment the marker feed comprises a real time pairing buffer inwhich video data temporarily resides while corresponding GPS isassociated with corresponding “frames” or video sectors.

In one embodiment, the mountain biker carries a display screen, coupledwith the camera, that shows a split screen graphic showing the altitudeand map aside the rider perspective video. As described herein, trainingrecommendations may be included on the display screen or through audiocues.

The GNSS data together with the rider perspective video (“data pack”)may then be correlated with a global map system so that the data packmay be tied to the actual location of the participant's performance. Oneexample of a global map system is GOOGLE EARTH of Google, Inc. ofMountain View, Calif. Mountain bike riders are then able to “shop” online for riding venues that they may wish to visit.

The GNSS and global map system data may also be used to augment thevideo data when video is missing. For example, if only segments of arider were actually taped, intervening portions may be interpolated andgraphically simulated using the global map system and/or the actual GNSSdata. In this manner, an interested party may view a virtual compositeride of their own designation comprising elements of real video andsimulated video. In one embodiment, a processor ties variouspre-recorded ride segment together to form a user chosen trail map andpresents the segment data in a coherent and continuous fashion as if thechosen trail data had been contiguously generated.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a flowchart 900 of an example method forrecreating a performance of an activity from a camera perspective isshown. Referring now to 905 of FIG. 9, a video feed associated with oneor more monitored performances of an activity is received. The videofeed may originate from any type of camera that may take video and iscapable of being coupled with a participant while performing theactivity.

Referring now to 910 of FIG. 9, in one embodiment and as describedherein, data associated with the one or more monitored performances isreceived. Referring now to 915 of FIG. 9, in one embodiment and asdescribed herein, performance information corresponding to the activityis stored. Referring now to 920 of FIG. 9, in one embodiment, the videofeed is correlated with the data. Referring now to 925 of FIG. 9, in oneembodiment, based on the correlation, a real time recreation of aperformance of the activity is generated from a camera's perspective.

In one embodiment, a rider perspective video is presented to aparticipant. However, in another embodiment, a split screen graphicshowing an altitude and map aside the rider perspective video ispresented to a participant. In one embodiment, the real time recreationof a ride from a camera perspective is correlated with a global mapsystem (e.g., GNSS) such that the correlated video feed and the data islinked to a real location.

In one embodiment, and as described herein comparative performance datais provided to a participant based on the received data associated withthe one or more monitored performances and the stored performanceinformation. In one embodiment, a recommendation corresponding to theimproved performance of the activity is provided. In another embodiment,a recommendation for an appropriate component selection for improvedperformance of the activity is generated. In yet another embodiment, arecommendation for a component operation for improved performance of theactivity is generated. As disclosed herein, in one example, feedback toa user is provided while the user is participating in the activity. Thisfeedback to a user may comprise a voice of a person of interest to theparticipant. The feedback to the user may be through generated visualcues. The feedback to the user may also be through generated audio cues.

In another embodiment and as described herein, the comparativeperformance forms a basis of a virtual race competition. In yet anotherembodiment and as described herein, one or more of the monitoredperformances is rated.

In one example and as described herein, one or more downloadableparticipatory activities is provided. In another example, a global mapsystem is used to augment the video feed associated with the one or moremonitored performances of the activity by interpolating and graphicallysimulating a portion of the video feed of the activity that is missing.

In one embodiment of the present technology, a video recording apparatuscomprises: a aperture for directing optical wavelengths; an optical todigital transducer in a path of the wavelengths; a wireless receiverhaving communication protocol instructions; an antenna connected to thewireless receiver; a memory having correlation instructions forcorrelating data received by the receiver with digital output from theoptical to digital transducer; and a processor for running thecorrelation instructions. Some data correlation features are disclosedin U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,558,574 and 7,558,313 having inventors Feher andKamilo, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Some datacorrelation features are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,558,574 and7,558,313, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined bythe claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system configured to be coupled with aparticipant of a sporting activity, said system comprising: aparticipant activity monitoring unit configured for monitoring aperformance of said sporting activity by said participant, wherein thesporting activity involves use of equipment, having one or morecomponent that can be selected and/or tuned, and for determining alocation of said participant during said sporting activity andoutputting geographic position data indicating said location; anactivity information module configured for storing performanceinformation corresponding to said sporting activity; a participantperformance correlator configured for delivering comparative performancedata based on monitored performance of said sporting activity by saidparticipant and stored performance information; and a feedback moduleconfigured for providing information to said participant based on saidcomparative performance data, said system configured to correlate saidstored performance information associated with said performance of thesporting activity with the geographic position data of said equipmentduring the activity, said information provided by said feedback modulecomprises recommendations regarding appropriate component selection orcomponent tuning for improved performance of said sporting activity,which recommendations are based on said geographic position data.